Work to begin on $11.4 million renovation of airport hotel

By Vanessa Krause
   An $11.4 million renovation project is under way at Miami International Airport Hotel.
   It is the hotel's first major structural renovation since its completion in 1959, said Ray Diaz, Miami-Dade Aviation Department project manager for commercial operations. The most recent interior improvements came 12 years ago, he said.
   Work will begin on the north side of the 259-room hotel, inside Terminal E at Miami International Airport, said Martha Guerra, director of marketing and sales. That phase is expected to be completed in November, with work on the south side set to be finished in May.
   The south side of the hotel remains open as work proceeds on the north side. The eighth-floor pool deck is closed, and plans to replace it are under review.
   Costs for the renovation total $11.4 million - $10 million for structural renovation and $1.4 for room refurbishment - with funding coming from the Miami-Dade County aviation department, said Mr. Diaz.
   "We are not going to exceed those numbers. It looks like we won't use all $10 million," he said. "We are still good with the the original estimate, and the department has taken a position that we will not exceed that estimate regardless."
   Miscellaneous Construction Contractors, which has a contract with Miami International, was awarded the renovation work, Mr. Diaz said.
   Renovation of the guest areas, said Greg Chin, aviation department spokesman, include a retrofit of all rooms to be compliant with the American Disabilities Act, replacement of the air-conditioning system, updating of the fire alarms, improvements to emergency communications, an upgrade of the sprinkler system, door repairs, a fresh coat of paint and new carpeting, lighting fixtures and furniture.
   "We are excited. We will have a very nice product," Ms. Guerra said. "The ultimate goal is to have very comfortable rooms and very pleasant-looking rooms - which we will have."